600 Days of Nomadic Travel: Insights from Our Last 100 Days in Southeast Asia
Six hundred days on the road… If someone had told us 600 days ago that we'd still be traveling and committed to at least another 600, we wouldn't have believed it.
The past 100 days thrust us into a new world, but we feel more rested than during our 500-day reflections. This stems from our seamless adaptation to Southeast Asian life. These days were full of contrasts, shifting from Chicago's comforts to Thailand's intense heat.
Worlds Apart: From Chicago to Bangkok
Exhausted after 34 straight days driving through Canada and the U.S., we arrived in Chicago just in time for Jessica’s birthday—her first home celebration since 2000. Our friend Megan hosted a perfect party. We sightseeing, tackled work, and cherished time with loved ones, including Jessica’s dad’s 60th birthday milestone.
Next, a week in Denver visiting Jessica’s close friend Tracey and her Cuban fiancé Felix, then our longest flight yet: Air China from Denver to Bangkok via San Francisco and Beijing.
Bangkok differed vastly from Chicago. The 40-degree warmer climate shocked us, alongside changes in food (no cheese or bread, just Thai cuisine), people, and language—Thai's five tones and script rival marathon training in difficulty.
Thai food was a welcome shift. After heavy American meals, fresh, nutrient-rich dishes at $2–$4 per restaurant meal revitalized us. We quickly grew fond of ubiquitous monks—on bikes, phones, at temples, or chatting on transport. They're now unimaginable to be without!
The heat lingered longer to adjust to—a constant sauna. Our savior: malls like Bangkok’s MBK, a massive hub for nearly everything. In Southeast Asia, malls aren't just shopping; they're refuges from heat and humidity.
A Rocky Start in Asia
Our adventure began roughly. Scammed big in Bangkok (details in upcoming post), we felt betrayed in the 'Land of Smiles.' Recovery was slow on Koh Lanta, interrupted by Dani's motorbike ditch crash—mere seconds into our first rental. Motorbike plans for Southeast Asia felt daunting.
Despite this, Koh Lanta charmed us. Andaman Sea islands disappointed afterward, leading to Chiang Mai.
Regaining Momentum in Chiang Mai
No secret spot, Chiang Mai tops tourist maps—and we love it. It's ideal for extended stays, drawing digital nomads like us with Western/Thai cuisine (best Tex-Mex outside the U.S.), coffee shops, sunny 80°F days, cool evenings, and great company.
We connected with nomads/bloggers, launched projects. Visas expiring, we planned Laos for a longer Thai visa, then back. Booked Old City apartment for $320/month—perfect!
Backpacker Life in Rural Laos
Laos grew on us slowly. Early stops were forgettable until Nong Khiew, a serene riverside gem and all-time favorite. Hiked, cycled, relaxed—stayed extra.
Followed by a hidden dream spot (keeping secret), Luang Prabang, Phonsavan, and Vientiane's Thai visa loophole.
Life is Good
Stability suits our nomadism, but backpacking reignited excitement from Central America. Laos' rural villages contrasted Thailand's development, revealing simpler, content lives—less stress, more family time around outdoor meals.
We appreciate our privileges and travel freedom, yet value simplicity (with tech perks like MacBooks and coffee).
Covering 4,000 miles (6,320 km) in six weeks, we're thrilled in Chiang Mai, celebrating holidays with kindred spirits—better than last year's lonely Honduras festivities.
What’s Next?
Vietnam/Cambodia plans shifted for Kuala Lumpur housesit (apartment + cat). Then Malaysia beaches, Singapore, Indonesia—Vietnam/Cambodia later. Plans evolve.
Excited for more Southeast Asia. Kuala Lumpur tips? Comment below!
Stay tuned for our 600-Day Tops and Flops…
